First Night Campaign 2017

For many people, Christmas and New Year is a great time of joy but it can be difficult for those living in fear of violence or abuse in their own homes. Every year, women, men and children in our community flee their homes because of domestic abuse. They often are highly stressed and have no time to pack but see this as their only chance to live in a safe place.

Domestic abuse is not just a private matter and we all have a role to play in helping keep victims and their children safe. We want victims, their friends and relatives to know that help is available.

Domestic Abuse Services and Refuge Providers will listen to victims, support them and give them time and space to decide what they want to do, without judgment.

THE NUMBER OF WOMEN USING THESE SERVICES INCREASES EVERY YEAR ESPECIALLY DURING THE CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR PERIOD

How could you make their FIRST NIGHT easier? Birmingham Domestic Abuse Forums are asking people to donate items which families could use to make their first night easier.

From 1st December and running up until the end of January there will be collection points across the city:

Make a donation – suitable items which families can use on their first nights in refuge including colouring books, pencils and crayons, puzzles, books to read, toiletries and chocolate. Items, which are new or in an exceptionally good condition are particularly welcome. See the list at the bottom of the page to find out where you can donate. View the top 10 items to donate here – Top 10 donation items

Display posters – you can print off the pdf/JPEG version attached to display here

Share details about the campaign with you colleagues, staff and mailing lists to raise awareness of the campaign and encourage people to make a donation.

Set up a collection in your office – set up a box with the “top 10 items” poster ). All collections would need to be taken to one of the official collection points for the campaign, which are listed below.

Share details about the campaign with your colleagues, staff and mailing lists to raise awareness of the campaign and encourage people to make a donation.

Social Media.

The message the campaign sends out to victims is extremely powerful. Women who come into refuges often question their decision, have they done the right thing, is it fair on the children? The fact that so many people are offering support in this way helps to show them that this is a positive decision and that we care and will work hard to keep them safe.

Previous campaigns have been really well supported by teams and services in across Birmingham in particular, with collection points established at various centres and offices and a generous amount of books and activities for children, chocolates and toiletries, and made that difficult first night a little easier for many families.